Decatur garden designer killed rescuing dogs from fire

OGELTHORPE COUNTY, Ga. — A well respected, internationally-known Decatur garden designer died in a fire trying to save his dogs, officials said.

Ryan Gainey died Friday night in his second home, which is in Oglethorpe County, Coroner James Mathews said Sunday. He was 72 years old.

"The sad news that I share is almost to much to bear," Brooks Garcia, a longtime friend of Gainey's, said on Facebook. "My good friend, and mentor, Ryan Gainey died tragically last night in a fire in Lexington Georgia while trying to save his beloved dogs."

Gainey has a portrait of his Jack Russell terriers on his website.

“I share my life with many living things, but few are as precious to me as my Jack Russell terriers, Cracker Jack, and his son, Soda Pop,” Gainey wrote.

Sheriff Mike Smith said the call about a fire at 357 East Church Street in Lexington came in to 911 about 8:23 p.m. Friday.

A sculpture of a book features a poem written by Decatur garden designer Ryan Gainey.

By the time volunteer firefighters arrived at the home of Ryan Gainey, flames fully engulfed the structure and safety concerns prevented anyone from entering,Oglethorpe County EMA Director Douglas Spencer said.

Lexington is a small community of maybe a few hundred people, Spencer said.

Unfortunately, by the time a neighbor or someone realizes what’s wrong, the fire has spread.

“It’s a tragedy and a deep impact to the community,” Spencer said.

After the first three volunteer firefighters arrived on a fire truck, more people showed up in personal vehicles to help. A total of four fire trucks from three local fire departments arrived, but the house was a total loss.

Spencer couldn’t confirm if the dogs’ bodies were found, but he did say a man’s body was found near the back door of the residence. He said he doesn’t suspect any sort of foul play.

“It’s something we’ve unfortunately seen before,” Spencer said. “Something accidental or unintentional happens and the resident tries to go back in for something or someone. That appears to be the case here. By all witness accounts, he went back in to save his dogs.”

Before officials could release Gainey’s name, local organizations and his friends started sharing thoughts and condolences for Gainey on social media.

“It is a huge loss for the horticulturally world, Atlanta and his many friends,” Garcia wrote. “I am beyond words.”

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation called Gainey world renowned and said he graciously opened his Lexington home for the 2015 Spring Ramble.

“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow,” the trust said. “Our deepest condolences are with his friends and family.”

President and CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden Mary Pat Matheson called Gainey’s death a “great loss for not only our community, but for our country because Ryan was so highly regarded as an esteemed designer and horticulturist.”

A full report from the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office is expected Tuesday, Spencer said.

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